While the past month brought unexpected joy to our family, it’s been a month full of challenges for Alicia Burghduff and her young son, Dane. On December 15 this thirty-something young mom from Harding County (the most northwestern county in South Dakota where we once lived), was in a single car accident on a remote stretch of Highway 85. She broke her pelvis and one leg, crushed an ankle and sustained burns on both legs. Somehow despite her injuries, she had the presence of mind to release her seat belt button and crawl away from the burning car. A truck driver saw the flames, stopped to investigate, and called for help. Alicia credits him with saving her life. She was flown to Denver where she’s endured numerous surgeries and making good progress.
This accident isn’t the first tragedy Alicia and Dane have endured in their young lives. A few years back Alicia’s husband Shawn, a strapping and healthy young man, died when he contracted a mysterious virus that settled in his kidneys. After her husband’s death, Alicia returned to college and competed her master’s degree while raising her young son. Her courage and determination before the accident amazed and humbled me, but now her attitude is astonishing.
The Philo connection with the Burghduffs (Shawn and his parents, Gerald and Becky, and his sister Natalie, rather than with Alicia) go way back. During my years as a country school teacher, Shawn and I did first, second, and third grade together. Our family spent a lot of time at their ranch, visiting and eating meals together. After Allen was born and throughout his surgeries, they were a constant source of support for us. When we head out west to visit, Gerald and Becky insist we stay with them.
Over the years God has bound our families together with ties of laughter and loss, joy and sadness. All we can do to support Alicia and Dane is pray for them and leave messages at their CarePage website. I invite you to go to www.carepages.com, become a member, and then type in alicia_burghduff to track her progress. You’ll also see pictures of Alicia and Dane, who looks so much like his dad at that age, it takes my breath away.
At the end of the New Testament book of James, the author says true religion is to care for widows and orphans. Though in this case, distance complicates the fulfillment of that command, I’ll do what I can. Each day of the new year, I’ll pray for this determined young widow and her little boy. Wrap them in your arms, dear Father. Hold them close.
